According to a December 2025 report on the “singles tax” in America, San Francisco is the most expensive city for people living alone. The study by the digital entertainment platform
JB
examined US cities to reveal how much extra money singles lose simply because they can’t divide rent and bills with a partner.
- People living by themselves in San Francisco lose $6,137 extra each month, the highest “singles tax” in America.
- New York solo renters miss out on $4,835 monthly just because they can’t divide rent with someone else.
- West Coast cities hit singles the hardest financially, with San Diego, Portland, and Seattle all landing in the top 10.
The study examined more than 40 major cities to determine how much more singles pay compared to couples who split expenses. It analyzed rent, daily living costs, and average salaries to calculate post-expense income. Singles’ leftover income was then compared with couples’, ranking cities where living alone is most expensive. Additional factors such as city safety, date-night costs, and the share of single residents were also considered.
Here’s a look at the top 10 cities with the highest “singles tax” in the US:
| City | Disposable Income (Singles) | Disposable Income (Couples) | Income Gap | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $2,613 | $8,750 | $6,137 | 40.7 |
| Boston, MA | $2,060 | $7,442 | $5,382 | 33.7 |
| Washington, DC | $2,549 | $7,920 | $5,371 | 34.9 |
| San Jose, CA | $1,694 | $6,833 | $5,139 | 38.1 |
| New York, NY | $1,533 | $6,368 | $4,835 | 38.8 |
| San Diego, CA | $1,312 | $6,010 | $4,698 | 36.0 |
| Chicago, IL | $2,260 | $6,850 | $4,590 | 36.4 |
| Portland, OR | $2,179 | $6,600 | $4,421 | 39.4 |
| Seattle, WA | $1,680 | $6,042 | $4,362 | 35.6 |
| Denver, CO | $1,974 | $6,294 | $4,320 | 35.4 |
You can access the complete research findings
here
.
1. San Francisco, CA
- Singles keep after expenses: $2,613 per month
- Couples keep after expenses: $8,750 per month
- Singles tax: $6,137 per month
San Francisco has the highest “singles tax” in America. Living alone leaves residents with about $2,613 each month after expenses, while couples sharing housing retain $8,750. Because couples split rent and utilities, each partner keeps nearly 70% more than singles. Over a year, the gap exceeds $73,000, making San Francisco the most punishing city for solo living.
2. Boston, MA
Boston ranks second, with singles paying $5,382 more per month than couples. Solo renters retain roughly $2,060 after expenses, while couples keep $7,442. Nearly 70% of residents are single, the city is considered safe for social outings, and its median age of 33 makes dating relatively accessible.
3. Washington, DC
Washington, DC places third, with singles retaining $2,549 monthly compared to $7,920 for couples. The $5,371 gap makes the capital challenging for solo renters, though more than 65% of residents are single, increasing the likelihood of shared living opportunities.
4. San Jose, CA
San Jose records a $5,139 monthly singles tax. Singles retain just $1,694 after expenses, while couples keep $6,833. Roughly half the population is single, and average date-night costs remain lower than in other major cities.
5. New York, NY
New York completes the top five. Singles retain only $1,533 monthly compared to $6,368 for couples. The $4,835 gap is intensified by high dating costs, often exceeding $160 per night, and a lower proportion of single residents.
“The ‘singles tax’ isn’t just rent. Living alone means paying full price for internet, utilities, streaming services, and insurance. In high-rent cities, these costs add up to thousands each year—money singles can’t save or invest in their future.”
— CEO, JB